Part 1 explores the mythology and literary history of direwolves leading up to their appearance in Game of Thrones as companions to the Stark children. It analyzes how they symbolize the Starks' honor and destiny, while also foreshadowing their fates. Real-life dire wolves that went extinct are explored as influences.Part 2 delves deeper into the profound psychic bonds the Stark kids share with their wolves via warging powers. It compares their almost supernatural connections to the way warrior cultures like Greeks, Romans, and Vikings fought alongside canine allies, viewing wolves as representations of warriors. The article ultimately argues the Starks' and direwolves transcend mortal forms through their travails, ascending into the realm of eternal legend.

Part 1 explores the mythology and literary history of direwolves leading up to their appearance in Game of Thrones as companions to the Stark children. It analyzes how they symbolize the Starks' honor and destiny, while also foreshadowing their fates. Real-life dire wolves that went extinct are explored as influences.Part 2 delves deeper into the profound psychic bonds the Stark kids share with their wolves via warging powers. It compares their almost supernatural connections to the way warrior cultures like Greeks, Romans, and Vikings fought alongside canine allies, viewing wolves as representations of warriors. The article ultimately argues the Starks' and direwolves transcend mortal forms through their travails, ascending into the realm of eternal legend.